Study calls for more anti-bullying programmes in schools

The authors of a study which found those bullied as youngsters are more likely to self-harm in later life, have called for more effective programmes to prevent bullying in schools.

In a paper, published by the British Medical Journal, they suggest efforts should focus on improving the ways in which children cope with emotional distress.

"Bullying by peers is a major problem during the early school years," they said."This study found that before 12 years of age a small proportion of children frequently exposed to this form of victimisation already deliberately harmed themselves and in some cases attempted to take their own lives."